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A reflection and prayer to start the day with Andrea Rea.

Good morning.

Although I would not call myself sporty, every time the Olympics come around, I become a true ‘armchair fan’, watching the television coverage. And my admiration for anyone who reaches Olympic levels of sporting skill is all the more intense for my own lack of sporting ability.

On this day in 1896 at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, a Dublin-born Irishman achieved something that today would be completely impossible. John Boland, competing for Great Britain and Ireland, won both the men’s singles and men’s doubles finals in tennis on the same day. Now, the game of tennis and the Olympics have both changed a great deal in 130 years, but that achievement to me still stands out. I also love the fact that, because the numbers of entrants for the doubles matches were small, the teams were of mixed nationality. Boland’s partner was German.

Now, though my enthusiasm for sporting achievement is not fuelled by personal experience. I’m happy to be part of any crowd that supports something of quality – especially if it represents a new interest. It could be a different kind of music, unexplored visual art, dance, film… or yes, even a new sport – the possibilities are endless. And that’s the point.

Because along the way, we encounter undiscovered pockets of inspiration that may lead further. To better understanding, more admiration, and to the greater knowledge and appreciation that keeps our passions - and the passions of others - alive.

Lord, in these days when inspiration can be hard to come by and many of us are afraid to step away from our usual paths, help us to seek out and appreciate experiences that stretch and enrich and feed us.

Amen